I returned to Washington, DC this week for two full days on Capitol Hill. Before sharing details, let me clarify the heart behind these updates: I’m not here to make policy judgments. I simply want to share what I see, hear, and experience as I walk the halls of Congress. This week felt especially heavy and revealed much of the challenge facing our nation’s leaders.

Within an hour of landing at DCA, I found myself in the office of a representative who had undergone arthroscopic surgery that morning—yet he was already back to work because votes were scheduled. He’s a military veteran, accustomed to pain, but seeing that level of sacrifice reminded me how demanding this environment is.

After visiting about 40 offices, I ended the evening having dinner with a representative and his wife—strong believers who sincerely want to do what is right for the nation. While we ate, I overheard other members discussing national security briefings and CIA updates. So much happens behind the scenes that the average citizen never hears about.

Following dinner, I went to the Capitol where the House held late votes. One staffer sighed when she learned another voting series would begin at 8:15 PM. Late votes don’t just affect members—staff must also stay late, often sacrificing sleep, family time, and emotional margin.

The vote of the night centered on releasing the Epstein files. Transparency is good, and legislation passed requiring the DOJ to release the records. Yet I’m not sure how much more we will truly learn—redactions may raise even more questions, possibly even falsely implicating people. I may be wrong. What I do believe is that people from both parties will likely face embarrassment and scrutiny because of their association with Jeffrey Epstein.

Set against this tense backdrop, backroom efforts were underway to prevent both a Republican and Democrat from facing censure. Several members insisted their leadership agree to the deals. Others argued the Ethics Committee should handle the accusations—but one member bluntly told me, “That’s where cases go to die.”

It’s dynamics like these that contribute to the growing number of House members choosing not to run again. At least three dozen have already announced they are stepping down—many weary of the hostility, the division, the frustration, the travel, and the toll on family life. That number will almost certainly grow.

One Republican staffer told me he believes the GOP will lose the House majority in 2026. He cited internal conflict, lack of unity, and very little meaningful legislation passed in recent months. He also mentioned the irony of the Saudi Crown Prince visiting both the White House and Capitol Hill—despite Saudi Arabia’s severe religious persecution and its ban on churches. The issues facing Congress are complex—and seem to grow more complicated by the day.

Wednesday morning, I spent time in the Senate office buildings. In one office, I laughed and prayed with the same young men I visit often. In another, I followed up with a young staffer whose best friend had recently died in a plane crash. While talking, another young woman quietly added, “We all need Jesus.” She’s right.

And I’m convinced faith is beginning to grow among many young people working on Capitol Hill. Several commented on seeing me participate at Charlie Kirk’s memorial service. Something is stirring.

Many staffers and Capitol Police are still recovering financially from the shutdown. One officer I know shared that some still have not received a paycheck—and that his gas tank had been near empty. Yet with confidence he said, “If God takes care of the sparrows, why wouldn’t He take care of me?” Powerful truth spoken through hardship.

Later, a Chief of Staff introduced me to an intern who had dropped out of college to move back home and care for his alcoholic mother. As I prayed for him, tears rolled down his face. There are more than 18,000 people working on Capitol Hill—and many carry quiet burdens.

Christmas decorations are beginning to appear. As I walked through the Capitol, I ran into Sean Curan, head of the Secret Service, and had the chance to pray with him.

As I walked into one office I noticed a copy of my book, Tales of a Troubadour, sitting on the desk. The scheduler had slipped away so I left my card there on her desk. I saw her later and learned that the representative’s wife had just read my book.

Wednesday night, our service on the Hill was deeply meaningful. Pastor Brad Wells taught from Psalm 37 and shared this call:

• Fret not.
• Trust in the Lord.
• Delight in the Lord.
• Commit your way to Him.
• Rest in Him.

Later, as I flew home, I saw a post from a member of Congress expressing deep frustration about the week’s events. One line stood out:

“Money, Power, and Arrogance are what run DC.”

As I process these days, I confess—I feel a sense of bewilderment. Confusion is rising. Truth feels blurred. Leaders of every persuasion stand before cameras and say things that are misleading, incomplete, or sometimes openly false.

When you watch an interview with a member of Congress, always watch to see if they answer the question posed to them or deflect and give an answer to a question they would rather respond to.

The spiritual battle in our nation and in our government is real. The enemy seeks to divide, deceive, and destroy.

Here are words you rarely hear from a politician, “I am sorry. I was wrong.” I guess that apologies don’t poll well.

Repentance, admitting that you’ve done wrong, is an essential part of the Christian faith. It is a statement that one is going to make a turn and go in a different direction. Repentance is not only essential to our faith, but to our government. We need women and men who are courageous enough to publicly admit that they’ve made a mistake. This is different than saying, “My position on this issue has evolved.”

Our nation is in desperate need of revival, but it will only happen when we humble ourselves, pray, and turn from our wicked ways. (2 Chronicles 7:14)

This battle doesn’t mean that we should give up. It’s a call to press in, recognizing that God’s Word and words of encouragement are needed all the more.

And yet—Psalm 37 remains.

Fret not. Trust. Delight. Commit. Rest.

In two weeks, I plan to return for our Carols in the Capitol Christmas event, pending final approval of a room. The shutdown delayed scheduling, so we continue to wait.

Please pray—for our nation, our leaders, and all who serve on Capitol Hill.

Thank you for your prayers and support. They mean more than you know.

Steve